Architectural Engineering at Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
56 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
57
Optimistic
56
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $76,272/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (28,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #11 of 12 Architectural Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Architectural Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $819K $788K $691K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.2x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 57 56 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$242,652
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$153,712
37% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,000
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$91,040
19% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Drexel University's Architectural Engineering graduates start at $76,272/yr — above the $72,121 national average, though not by a wide margin.

An earnings multiple of 3.2x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

Some AI exposure exists in Architectural Engineering's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 16% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $31,000 in median debt clears quickly against $76,272 in annual earnings.

Ranked #11 of 12 Architectural Engineering programs, Drexel University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $91,040 are relatively flat compared to the $76,272 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About Drexel University

A 78% acceptance rate means Drexel University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 13,509 students in Philadelphia, PA. The average net cost of $153,712 over four years represents a 37% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Drexel University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Architectural Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Drexel University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Architectural Engineering at Drexel University?
This program scores 56/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Architectural Engineering programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Architectural Engineering careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $691,169 in decade earnings vs $819,147 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →